Serendipity

Chapter 26 : The Voice Note.

              When a friend is in trouble, don't annoy him by asking if there is anything you can do. Think up something appropriate and do it.                                          Edward W. Howe

______________________

Derin walked into the office, her hands had become sweaty and her heart beat frantic. It had been two weeks since her boss granted her leave. She pushed the door open and stepped in. Everyone turned. She closed her eyes, lifted her head and straightened her shoulder.

The clump of her heeled sandals clicked against the tiled floor.

"Oh. My. Welcome!"

"Welcome back!"

"I'm so glad to see you."

She waved at them all, happy with the warm welcome. She walked to her cubicle, walking past Ify who never took her eyes of Derin. She sat down on her sit and faced her system.

Of recent, she'd been having weird feelings. Her phone rang. She answered without glancing at the caller Id.

"Derin." Her mother's voice crooked out.

"Mommy."

"Derin how are you?"

"I'm fine." She turned on her system.

"Have you gone to court on the Michael case?"

A pregnant pause. Her breathing slowed. "No."

"Hmm.. You should come over to the house today or tomorrow,"

Derin's brow creased. "Why?"

"Just come."

"Ok,"

"Derin." Her mother called out sharply.

"Ma?" She replied, her hands hovering against the keyboard.

"I love you."

She typed in her password. "I love you more, Momma."

The call disconnected. She suddenly remembered her conversation with Nonso in the morning. He'd insisted that she came to his office so as to start filing the case. She'd dodged it, rushing out of his apartment once he got into the bathroom. She couldn't conjure any excuse as to why she didn't want to file the case. Michael committed an offense and no doubt Nonso's arms were itching to throw him in jail for life.

She turned on her data, in order to check her WhatsApp messages. She received three messages from two people.

Michelle: Hiii you should check out our instagram picture. Everyone is calling the black chic hot.

..... Seriously you did look hot. PS. I hope it was fun singing with me. :)

Daniel: Obey street, behind iyabosa foods. One pm sharp. Pls be late.

Bastard.

She excited Daniel's chat box and went on to reply Michelle.

We make a good team :-P

Michelle's reply came in not long after hers had been delivered.

Hang out sometime? :-!

Derin cringed. Maybe Michelle was taking their non existence friendship too far. Hanging out with her boyfriend's ex wasn't on her list. Despite the nagging negative response in her heart, she replied contrary.